£15-£18k, is there a better 2 seater than SLK55 AMG?

[sharon1967]

My other half is looking at a new 2 seater and looking to spend UP TO £18,000 (ideally closer to 15k).

It will be a daily driver so reliability and North on 20 MPG preferable. We tested an SLK55 AMG which was nice and obviously had an amazing sound. It is rare and that is a bonus too.

We like the SLK as it has the folding hardtop for added security. Convertible would be nice but not essential.

We tried a Z4M and found the clutch too heavy.

A Cayman or Boxster S (neither of which we have driven)would be gen 1 and we have seen various horror stories on here (although accept the problem probably isn't as bad as suggested)

Could the wise on here offer any further suggestions please?

Many thanks,

Sharon

[Crusoe]

370Z roadster might be in that price bracket edit yes, for example http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/n...
996 Porsche convertible, quite a few around and would leave some change for any bills.
MX5

I went for a Z4M in that group, clutch shouldn't be that heavy (a bit heavier than a super mini but easy enough for most people so that one could have been on the way out) so might be worth trying another if that was all you didn't like. Not a car to be stuck in traffic with though.

Do your research and watch out for some of the large bills the SLK55 can throw up if you go for one of those.

Edited by Crusoe on Tuesday 28th April 11:31

[Panthro]

I preferred the Z4 35i over the SLK. better media interface, DCT gearbox and more aesthetically pleasing. I also averaged 34mpg on long trips too.

I like the power delivery of the N54, but the V8 does sound amazing!

[sharon1967]

Crusoe said:

MX5

Edited by Crusoe on Tuesday 28th April 11:31

Was waiting for that - it's my current and recently purchased drive!

[Jasandjules]

TVR Chimaera used every day will be great and below budget.

[Mike22233]

Jasandjules said:

TVR Chimaera used every day will be great and below budget.

Great if you like being broken down.

[Tuvra]

Its bigger brother?

[Jasandjules]

Mike22233 said:

Great if you like being broken down.

Well, I've owned Chimaeras for going on 18 years now. Not had that many problems. You?

If used daily they will be as reliable as most other cars.

[Frenchda]

Mike22233 said:

Jasandjules said:

TVR Chimaera used every day will be great and below budget.

Great if you like being broken down.

Did you have a bad experience with yours?

(J&J beat me too it!)

[s m]

Probably the best narrated video I have ever watched....... Troy Queef ...watch and learn ....

http://youtu.be/Gxkjwwd5cH0


...."..a racing diplomat is needed here, a mediator between the power of the engine and the strict rules of the electronics..."

[daveco]

Tuvra said:

Its bigger brother?

Isn't it beset with ABC suspension issues that cost a fortune to fix??

That said, it is far better looking than the SLK version. Probably the best looking Mercedes of the last 20 years imo.

[s m]

"..... A powerful midget on 4 wheels encased in a bespoke suit of sheet metal......"

[d3llams]

A nissan 370z convertible can be had for £16k http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/n... Edit: i see this has already been mentioned.

Jaguar Xk's are getting into budget. http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/j...

TVR Tuscan http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

[anonymous-user]

Frenchda said:

Mike22233 said:

Jasandjules said:

TVR Chimaera used every day will be great and below budget.

Great if you like being broken down.

Did you have a bad experience with yours?

(J&J beat me too it!)

It's an old hand built Birtish sports car. I would not want to use one as a daily!

[WCZ]

"£15-£18k, is there a better 2 seater than SLK55 AMG?"

having previously owned one from new, no IMO

[T1berious]

Z4M + Gym Membership? I jest

with that budget I'm going to go left field and lotus.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...

[GroundEffect]

I'm looking at a 2-seater also with the similar vein.

I want an E92 M3 but also want another convert after I had a Z4M for 2 years...

but I do want a V8 too.

SLK55 would be lovely.

[s m]

"..... The source of joy, a five and a half litre V8, the sound is amost deafening, six cylinder rivals like the Boxster and Z4 sound like a boys choir in comparison...."


"..... Fierce, fierce, .... It just won't stop!......"





" ....it's like hanging a 60 inch plasma TV in a 10 square metre student bedsit..."

[TVRJAS]

Frenchda said:

Mike22233 said:

Jasandjules said:

TVR Chimaera used every day will be great and below budget.

Great if you like being broken down.

Did you have a bad experience with yours?

(J&J beat me too it!)

Mike's been down the pub again listening to those rumors that will never die.

618 TVR's at Burghley house coming from all over the country and I got news of only one having a burst radiator. 617 others covering 1,000's of miles between them all happy as Larry.

No mention of what mileage OP's other half will be doing but if the daily drive involves city and the BMW Z4's clutch was heavy then I think she will find the clutch more of an issue than the reliability.

Just saying it as it is... Mines not to bad but I've sat in many that would be a nightmare and uncomfortable for a dainty female.

[BigBen]

daveco said:

Tuvra said:

Its bigger brother?

Isn't it beset with ABC suspension issues that cost a fortune to fix??

That said, it is far better looking than the SLK version. Probably the best looking Mercedes of the last 20 years imo.

Aftermarket bits for ABC are widely available now and come with lifetime guarantees so should not trouble you much. I have had my SL 55 for 3 years today and have spent less than £200 on the suspension (was all Arnot kit fitted by the previous owner)

Ben